Japanese ambassador highlights Zim business potential at Expo 2025

Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Yamanaka Shinichi has said Expo 2025 Osaka to be held in his country from April 13 to October 13 this year presents a valuable opportunity for Zimbabwean and Japanese businesses to discover new opportunities for business and collaborations.

According to ZimTrade, the country’s premier trade promotion and development body, the value and volume of trade between Zimbabwe and Japan, Asia’s second-biggest economy after China, remains low despite the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries.

Collaborations between Zimbabwean companies and Japanese information technology (IT) firms, particularly small-scale enterprises, could be highly beneficial.

Zimbabwe’s young and talented human resources hold significant potential for collaborations in the IT sector, including the software industry, Ambassador Shinichi said.

The Japanese diplomat was speaking in an interview with Star FM earlier this week to give an update on preparations for the global exhibition, where Zimbabwe will be among several participating countries.

Japan holds a strong position in global IT rankings, particularly in innovation and technology, with notable universities and institutions excelling in computer science and engineering.

Japan ranks 13th among 133 economies, according to the Global Innovation Index (GII), which assesses innovation capabilities.

In terms of technological expertise, Japan consistently ranks among the top countries globally, often appearing in the top 5-10, and is recognised for its advancements in areas like robotics, electronics, and automotive engineering.

“That expo will be a good platform for both Zimbabwean and Japanese companies to realise new opportunities for businesses and to find suitable partners for collaboration.

“I find good potential in the software business here by using the young, talented human resources.

“Also I think it may be useful to collaborate with Japanese IT companies or small-scale companies. They have a very unique and good technology and their decision-making is quite quick and flexible,” said Ambassador Shinichi.

Zimbabwe intends to use the global exhibition to grow its investment and trade deals as well as tourist arrivals by 10 and 15 percent respectively.

This comes after Zimbabwe successfully participated in Expo 2020 Dubai where it secured trade partnerships and investments from the Asian continent.

Following its participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, Zimbabwe achieved several milestones, including the US$250 million joint venture agreement between the Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) and NV Group of India to establish a brewery in Masvingo.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) struck a partnership with the Dubai National Air Travel Agency (DNATA) to market local tourism offerings.

Through its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Zimbabwe will showcase its economic potential, and the many investment opportunities in the country, to potential investors from around the world.

The country will also be able to project its culture and heritage to a global audience, which could help drive interest in the country’s tourism sector and increase visitors to the country.

Expos provide an opportunity for Zimbabwean enterprises to meet and connect with potential investors, new business opportunities and collaborations.

Zimbabwe aims to showcase its diverse offerings through exhibitions, B2B meetings, commercial activities, cultural exchanges, and demonstrations.

It will also conduct side events such as trade and investment seminars, and business forums among other activities to amplify the country’s presence in Japan.

Zimbabwe aims to welcome at least 3 million visitors to its pavilion, showcasing the country’s vast trade and investment opportunities, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage.

The platform will also raise global awareness of Zimbabwe as a premier destination to live, work, study, visit, and conduct business.-ebsinessweekl